Standard disclaimers:

The Star Wars Universe belongs to George Lucas and some of the characters I'll use belong to Timothy Zahn. I am borrowing them to have some fun and I hope to entertain you with them. OC are mine.

Author's ramblings:

I am very predictable... this is a Thrawn/OC-action/adventure, romancing the cold tactician. I wanted to focus on the romance, so I kept everything rather simple, no sophisticated plot. You'll have to be patient, Thrawn will have his first appearance only in Chapter Two. The fic is as close to the original happenings as possible.

The prologue is a little confusing by purpose and narrated in a different POV than the remain of the fic. Feedback is highly appreciated, negative as well as positive. I am not a native speaker and I am writing in English to improve, so especially grammar mistakes might be ahead.

Just to let you know: I stumbled a Thrawn/OC epic fanfic, it is called 'Daughter of the Empire'. It is written in a perfect style, I can never ever match it, but I disagree with the scenery and the OC. This simply isn't the kind of woman I can picture Thrawn with. More mature, cunning, challenging and, yes, deliciously wicked.

Italicised dialogs are in Cheunh.

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A Beautiful Mind - Prologue

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You're one microscopic cog in his catastrophic plan

Designed and directed by his red right hand. [1]

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The two proud, black-cloaked figures standing motionless on the view-point shared a comfortable silence while observing the leaving vessel with undisguised alertness. The vessel's red and yellow lights coloured the snowy fields on the planet's surface, until it left the clear atmosphere and mingled with the stars. It was barely discernable among the uncounted twinkling lights before it vanished into hyperspace.

The smaller one of the figures turned to face her companion sending him a questioning glance; her red eyes glowing within the darkness of her hood, the silver moonlight reflecting on the few visible parts of her blue features, making her skin appear almost white.

'The chances are high that they will establish contact fast enough.' The male Chiss addressed her; his features evenly hidden within his hood; his demeanour and stance indicated that he was lower in rank.

She shook her head, continuing to observe the twinkling stars; two of the three moons of their home-world were visible in the sky. The third moon would come into view only after the setting of the other two moons. This was their regular, unchanging cycle. 'I'd prefer to rely on something more concrete than chances, Captain.'

'We do. We sent two of our best people to negotiate, and we are opposing the Ruling Families, Admiral.' He shared his objections.

'She alone is capable.' Her determination and her conviction about having made the right decision got tangible.

The definite undertone in her voice alarmed the Captain and he inquired. 'This is a delicate matter at hand. What more are you planning?'

'It is too early yet.' was her refusing reply.

In his subconscious he was aware that the Admiral was reluctant to fill him in because she knew that her plans wouldn't be welcomed with open arms. He knew better then to dig further, nevertheless he tried. 'But she is informed of this, isn't she?'

Her features turned sardonic and he knew the answer before she confirmed it. 'No, but they will find out soon enough, Captain.'

This was all he knew he would get at the moment and he concentrated on his own business. 'We have to complete our own preparations, calculating that they will not to retrieve the required information within the requested timeframe.'

'With the threat at hand I'd prefer to have them on the team. All of them. Without the usual backstabbing.' A third figure stepped out of the shadows of the view-point, the red patches on his black cloak giving away his occupation and rank. The two others acknowledged their superior with slight nods of their heads.

'She is on her way with the Ice Eagle.' The Admiral informed the newcomer.

He nodded his consent. 'Perfect.'

The three figures remained for a few seconds on the spot in the icy night, staring thoughtfully at each other, everyone following his own train of thought. They had set the ball rolling, and they had recruited the best for the task at hand, now they had to wait.

'Take care, Jule.' the newcomer murmured under his breath, only the white mist appearing in front of his face in this icy, star-bright night being proof of his words. No one here doubted her loyalty and dedication to the Chiss and the task ahead, one of them knowing it first handed.

'She'll make it.' The Admiral had perceived his words.

'I have no doubt about that.' He replied dryly, a wolfish grin crossing his features briefly. 'I am more worried about the how.'

The female Chiss nodded slyly, almost to herself. 'I understand, Aristocra.'

With a slight nod, the Aristocra stepped back into the shadows that had veiled him before. 'I know, Admiral.'

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[1] words by Nick Cave; Album: Let love in; Track: Red Right Hand